IHG Hotels and Resorts Launches AI Conversational Search Across its Digital Channels, Transforming the Guest Experience

IHG Hotels & Resorts has just taken a bold step into the future of travel discovery with the beta launch of AI-powered conversational search on IHG.com and the IHG One Rewards app.

What’s New
- Guests can now describe their travel needs in everyday language (e.g., “family-friendly hotel near the beach with a pool”) and receive tailored recommendations.
- Results include interactive maps, real-time availability, pricing, and detailed property info.
- Booking flexibility: cash, points, or a points + cash combination.
- Traditional search remains available alongside AI search during the beta.

Rollout Strategy
- Beta launch in the US, with plans to expand globally.
- Continuous refinement based on user behavior and feedback.

Benefits for Hotels
- New AI-optimized content platform coming soon, enabling properties to upload richer details like floor plans, videos, and updated imagery.
- Improves visibility in AI-driven searches, helping hotels connect with travelers seeking specific experiences.

Strategic Context
- Builds on IHG’s digital investments: unified cloud data, advanced tech platforms, and recent launch of an IHG app in ChatGPT.
- Future roadmap includes personalized search experiences and agentic booking capabilities for deeper guest engagement.

Leadership Perspective
- Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, called this a “milestone that transforms how guests interact with IHG”, emphasizing that the company is well-positioned to harness AI at scale for richer, seamless travel experiences.

This move positions IHG as one of the first major hotel groups to embed conversational AI directly into its booking channels, potentially reshaping how travelers discover and book stays.